Sexual and reproductive health after gynaecological cancer

Includes bibliographical references.

This book was written for you, and for every woman affected by gynaecological cancer. We wrote it after talking to women like you who shared with us their experiences of cancer and cancer treatment. We have preserved the anonymity of the women who took part in our focus groups, but we have included many of their comments in this book. And while each person's experience is unique, you may find it helpful to read about their experiences. Some of what they say may already resonate with you. A diagnosis of cancer can trigger many emotions, including fear, anger and grief. You may feel a loss of identity, femininity or positive body image. For some women, the speed and shock of their diagnosis gives them little time to consider all the options.

Many women are left feeling stunned by what has happened to them and to their bodies. You may be feeling anxious or sad about the diagnosis of cancer and have many questions about how it will affect your future and your close relationships. You may be worried about the effect of the cancer treatment on your sexual health and on your fertility, or how an early menopause can affect you. You may also want to know what other types of help and support are available, in addition to your treatment, and where you can access them. This book aims to give you the information and the knowledge you need to answer those questions.

This book was also written to help you frame the questions that you need to ask your healthcare team, to empower you to make treatment decisions; the ones that are right for you. When we talk about gynaecological cancers, we talk about the organs you were born with, but not about how you identify with those organs. If you are LGBTQ+, you may have additional specific questions for your healthcare team about the care and support you receive. You may also have specific questions if you take hormones as part of a gender-affirming process. [Publisher's text]

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